CHURCHILL is set to launch the Latrobe Valley’s second parkrun next Saturday following a series of successful trials.
More than 70 people turned up for a test-run of the new course yesterday ahead of the official 23 January opening day for the free, weekly, timed five-kilometre initiative taking the nation by storm.
With hundreds of participants flocking to Traralgon’s parkrun since its 2015 launch, Churchill event director Matthew Briggs said the time was ripe to offer another venue to a keen local market.
“There’s a bit of a call from people to bring one to Churchill,” Briggs said.
“We talked with a few people before the launch of the Traralgon parkrun event… we’ve realised some people don’t always go into Traralgon and people are oriented to stick as close to (their) town as they can.
“It (parkrun) is very popular here; we’ve got another few that are up and coming as well – the Bairnsdale parkrun which is looking for funds at the moment… there’s also some news of Heyfield getting a parkrun as well so there’s going to be a lot in the area.”
Briggs said the course, which begins at the Churchill Hub before tracing Eel Hole Creek toward Hazelwood House then Latrobe Leisure Churchill and back, offered a new challenge for runners.
Featuring many twists and turns along with challenging hilly terrain, Briggs was confident Churchill’s course would attract all breeds of runners and walkers.
“The verdict is it’s very successful; we’ve had great feedback from people. They loved how challenging the course is.
“There’s a lot more shade in Churchill and there’s all these extra hills to really challenge people in their five kilometre run.
“It’s giving people an (other) option and it does give a lot of diversity.”
Briggs said he expected 160 to 200 people for Churchill’s debut run.
To take part visit
www.parkrun.com.au/churchill and register online for a barcode to bring to the event.
Runners are advised to arrive by 7.45am for a briefing prior to the 8am start time on 23 January.
